Architecture of Bhoslas of Nagpur (2 Vols-Set)

Contents: Vol. I: Text and plates: Foreword. Preface. I. Introduction: 1. Physiographical features. 2. Cultural and historical background. 3. Pre-historic period. 4. Historical period. 5. Nagpur under Bhosla period. II. Forts: 1. Archaeological finds. 2. Classification of forts. 3. Designing and planning of fort architecture under Bhoslas. 4. Important forts of Bhoslas. III. Palaces: 1. Introduction. 2. Concept and design. 3. Plan and elevation. 4. Designing of quadrangles (Chowks). 5. Important features. 6. Palaces of Nagpur. 7. Senior Bhosle Palace. 8. Junior Bhosle Palace. IV. Wadas: 1. The characteristics of Wadas of Nagpur. 2. Tatbandi and Darwaza. 3. Guard room. 4. Prangan. 5. Architectural features of Wadas. 6. Construction of Wadas. 7. Ahirrao Wada. 8. Kaptan Wada. 9. Wadas of Sakkardara complex area. V. Gateways and protective wall (Tatbandi): 1. Shukkarwar Darwaza. 2. Bhutiya Darwaza. 3. Sakkardara Darwaza. 4. Eastern Darwaza of Sakkardara complex. VI. The temples: 1. Introduction. 2. Selection of site for temples. 3. Materials for constructing the temples. 4. Temples in Nagpur city. 5. Architectural features of temples at Nagpur. 6. Laxmi Narayan Temple, Sakkardara. 7. Shiva Temple, Telankhedi. VII. The tanks: 1. Introduction. 2. Ambajhari Talav. 3. Telankhedi Talav. 4. Sonegaon Talav. 5. Shukkarwar (Juma) Talav. VIII. Step-wells (Baolis): 1. Nomenclature of step-well. 2. Characteristics of a step-well. 3. Architectural elements of a step-well. 4. Location of a step-well. 5. Step-well as a shrine. 6. Construction technique of step-well. 7. Baoli at Nandanavan (Nagpur). 8. Baoli at Sakkardara (Nagpur). IX. Gardens: 1. Ecological violation: an observation. 2. Design. 3. Tulsi Bagh. 4. Telankhedi garden. X. Samadhis (Chhatris): 1. Samadhi (Chhatri) of Raja Raghuji I. 2. Samadhi (Chhatri) of Rani Kashibai. Glossary. Bibliography. Index.

Vol. II: Maps and Plans.

"The book gives a vivid picture of the style of architecture of the Bhoslas of Nagpur resembling, to that of the palace and Wadas of rulers and chiefs of Satara in Maharashtra. But so far as the characteristic feature layouts, and motif are concerned the Satara styles it self can be termed as an off-shoot of the later-Mughals in the Deccan.

"When, Raja Raghuji-I (1730-1755 A.D.) of Nagpur, he found the political situation quite congenial he paid due attention to the development of the capital city of Nagpur. They were lovers of art and architecture, which is reflected in their buildings, gardens and palaces. I was enamoured with marvel at the architecture of Bhoslas and I was influenced by its intensity. Moreover no research was taken up so far on the Architecture of Bhoslas. This inspired me to work on this subject. The interior of the palace and Wadas display their affinity towards religious practice and rituals. The Bhosla Rajas were no doubt staunch Hindus, but they were tolerant towards Islam and Muslim, saints and savant.

"The emphasis is laid here that a beautiful design of art and architecture with layout of the city done during the Bhosla was specially planned during the regime of Raghuji-II. The Architectural supremacy of Raghuji-II was suprede. Around 443 Temples were constructed by the Bhosla rulers. During his rule out of it, the largest 98 Temples were built.  Some of these temples are nicely described with their Art, Architecture, Plan, elevation sections etc. in this book. It was Raghuji-II who was the first planner to develop the massive town into architectural design during his regime. Before him it contained only 12 hamlets of small sizes called as 'Rajapur Barsa'.

"The political history and data on socio-economic conditions of the Bhosla state for Nagpur is elaborated, besides examining the prevailing trends in the art and architecture of this dominion. The survey maps of the sites, monuments, plans and drawings are the unique feature of this book. All these first hand material have been included in this work to acquaint scholars and researchers with the grandeur of the Bhosla monuments." (jacket)